El Salvador launches operation to rescue four soldiers held by gangs in Haiti

El Salvador has launched a military operation to rescue four Salvadoran soldiers abducted by gangs in Haiti, President Nayib Bukele said Wednesday.

The four aviation technicians were serving with the United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force when gangs attacked their armored vehicle with explosives and gunfire on Sunday in Croix-des-Bouquets, north of Port-au-Prince. The soldiers escaped the burning vehicle but were initially reported missing as heavy fighting prevented teams from reaching them by land or air.

Salvadoran authorities later said gangs were holding the soldiers hostage. Bukele demanded their safe release and warned of a stronger response if they were harmed, saying El Salvador had defeated gangs at home and could do the same in Haiti. He provided no details about the rescue operation.

Haiti’s government called the soldiers’ release an “absolute priority” and said officials had met to assess the response and strengthen operations with the international force. It was not immediately clear whether Haitian authorities had confirmation that the men were alive. No gang has claimed responsibility.

The attack was the first major assault on the international force since it began operations. Fighting continued in the area, and residents were advised to remain indoors. Armed groups control much of Port-au-Prince, while gang violence has displaced nearly 1.5 million people across Haiti in recent years.